Somaliland:Investment Forum Lays the Groundwork for Economic Growth

Somalilandsun- —The three-day Somaliland Investment Forum 2017, which concluded today, signaled to the world that Somaliland is serious about taking control of its economic future and in welcoming the world to invest in its local businesses and to support its eager new class of entrepreneurs.

Supported by platinum sponsorsGrowth, Enterprise, Employment and Livelihoods (GEEL),a program of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the World Bank Group; and gold sponsors Dahabshil Bank, Sompower Co., and P.U.R.E., s.r.o., the forum brought together more than330 participants, 17 international organizations,and 36 businesses participated in the forum’s trade show.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Amina HersiMoghe set the tone for the forum with an inspiring speech acknowledging the entrepreneurial spirit and credit worthiness of Somalilanders. She offered advice and emphasizedthe value of hard work, resilience, andcommitment. She highlighted the importance of women entrepreneurs and the multiplier effect of supporting them: “A wealthy women is a wealthy society. A wealthy society is a wealthy country.”

Larry Sampler, President of One Earth Future closed the forum making a commitment Somaliland’s private sector. He announcedShuraako and its partners are developing new financial products formotivated entrepreneurs that will launch in 2017.

About One Earth Future:

OEF is a self-funded, private operating foundation seeking to create a more peaceful world through collaborative, data-driven initiatives. OEF focuses on enhancing maritime cooperation, creating sustainable jobs in fragile economies and research which actively contributes to thought leadership on global issues. As an operating foundation, One Earth Future provides strategic, financial and administrative support allowing its programs to focus deeply on complex problems and to create constructive alternatives to violent conflict.

About Shuraako:

Shuraako is a program of theOne Earth Future (OEF), which operates throughout the Somali peninsula. Shuraako, which means “partnership” in Somali, connects micro, small and medium sized enterprises withinvestors to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, contributing to a more resilient and peaceful Somalia.